Enlarged Prostate (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia)

• BPH is common with aging
• It is not prostate cancer and does not increase cancer risk
• Symptoms vary from mild to severe
• Many treatment options are available
• Early evaluation can help prevent complications

Symptoms of an enlarged prostate often involve urinary changes and may include:

• Frequent urination, especially at night
• Weak or interrupted urine stream
• Difficulty starting urination
• Feeling that the bladder is not fully empty
• Urgency to urinate
• Dribbling at the end of urination
• Erectile dysfunction

The exact cause of prostate enlargement is not fully understood, but it is closely linked to aging and hormonal changes.

Contributing factors may include:

• Age-related hormonal shifts
• Changes in testosterone and estrogen balance
• Family history of prostate conditions

You may be at higher risk for an enlarged prostate if you:

• Are age 50 or older
• Have a family history of prostate enlargement
• Have diabetes or heart disease
• Are overweight or physically inactive

Treatment depends on symptom severity and impact on quality of life and may include:

• Watchful waiting for mild symptoms
• Medications to relax prostate muscles or shrink the prostate
• Lifestyle modifications
• Minimally invasive procedures, such as UroLift
• Surgical treatment for severe or persistent symptoms

See a doctor if urinary symptoms worsen, interfere with daily activities or sleep, or if you experience blood in the urine, pain, or inability to urinate.